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Now, this is a budget phono preamp I could, and likely will, live with for the foreseeable future.I am very familiar with various 6922/6DJ8 based phono stages, having owned two Audible Illusions Modulus 3 preamps (still have one) and a Music reference RM-5 preamp. I have/had EH 6922s in both Mod 3s (the RM-5 used Ram Labs 6DJ8s) and the EHs are the tubes Shannon Parks includes with the Budgie.
This preamp offers a feature I've not seen in many MM preamps, that being user adjustable resistive loading. While many MMs/HOMCs are happy at the standard 47K Ohms loading, some like a different setting. The Budgie offers 15 settings via DiP switches on the top plate. There is a 6.4K setting for HOMCs (Dynavectors?), for instance.
I have e-mailed back and forth several times with Shannon, both pre and post sale and have found him very friendly and helpful answering my questions.
Shannon personally tests each unit and includes a tests result sheet with each Budgie.
Out of the gate, I left the stock EH tubes in place and later switched to a pair of JJ 6922s. I spun my usual 4-5 LPs each night for several nights. The first cartridge I used was the Nagaoka MP-150. Later, the CineMag SUT was inserted ahead of the Budgie and a Uwe ebony body SS retipped Denon DL-103 was installed.
With the stock EH tubes, the sound was open, transparent and well extended, top and bottom. Soundstage was wide and deep. No complaints with the EHs, but I heard the JJs are a richer sounding 6922, a sound I came to thoroughly enjoy during my years with the EAR 834P phono preamp.
So out with the EHs and in with the JJs. Sure enough, the almost organic midrange quality of the 834P was there in spades. The bass was not as tight, nor the treble as shimmering as the EHs, however. I think I'll stick with the EHs for the present.
Shannon suggested Amperex 6DJ8s (globe logo) for serious consideration so I'm looking for a low noise pair of those.
Anyone looking for a seriously good MM/HOMC phono preamp under $1K will miss out if they do not consider the Parks Audio Budgie. It's a remarkable piece of kit.
Opus 33 1/3
Edits: 11/24/15 11/24/15 11/24/15 11/24/15 11/24/15Follow Ups:
Tried this tube and like it so far. Nice top end and the midbass is to die for. No final decisions yet but nice so far.
By denying scientific principles, one may maintain any paradox.
Galileo Galilei
I just got my Budgie 1254 SUT. It is paired with my ARC SP9/6DJ8 smooth plate Telefunkens. My SS retipped Denon DL-S1 sounds pretty darn good. I am sure that this SUT still has to break in, no?
Cheers, Doug
the Brimar 6DJ8's along with the EH's and can say I prefer the Brimar's. tis nice that Shannon now calls the PNW home also :)
Why is it that you feel so uncomfortable with my posts? Do you feel somehow that I am being critical of you and you can't stand anyone questioning you?
You should get some help in understanding the difference between a question, a disagreement and a personal attack.
This just makes me wonder, there a lot of phono preamps out there. There is only so much you can do with designing these. Excepting for the megabuck phono preamps how do they all sound different?
Opus 33 1/3
If you are looking for a classic warm tube sound you should get a pair of GE 6DJ8's. I think you would really like that tube.
Do you prefer it to the EAR 834P?
Opus 33 1/3
Yep. I'd find it very difficult to part company with my 834P but I was intrigued by the inclusion of variable loading for HOMC carts like my Dyna 20X HO. Anyway, sounds like you've made a great choice.
with the Budgie SUT and a Dyna XX2MkII is a very musical, very dynamic combination. Agree completely with your assessment of the tubes. I haven't tried the Amperex yet, can't find a set, haven't looked really hard though.
By denying scientific principles, one may maintain any paradox.
Galileo Galilei
Opus 33 1/3
I had been limiting myself to <$800.00 cartridges but the price on this was so good I couldn't pass it up. Glad I didn't too. Far and away the best cartridge I've ever owned.
By denying scientific principles, one may maintain any paradox.
Galileo Galilei
Opus 33 1/3
though who pays retail?
By denying scientific principles, one may maintain any paradox.
Galileo Galilei
Were any changes made to the 20XL when the price was increased?
cantilever and threaded bolt holes as the current model. Same specs, too.
Opus 33 1/3
It was a significant increase in price. I never understood the justification. Thanks.
For the same reason a dog licks his ...
because he can?
Hell, if I could, I'd never leave the house.
Opus 33 1/3
Opus 33 1/3
So, if I recall, he uses negative feedback in this design. Any diminishment of soundstage or harmonic distortion?
So does Shindo, in what many consider to be the best phono preamps money can buy. Few absolutes in this game.
Opus 33 1/3
Nice review Henry. Did you use bath carts. with the JJ tubes? Did they take on the same sound characteristics with the JJ's?
I'm going to give the EHs some more time. I liked them in my Mod 3. But still searching for a pair of Amperex 6DJ8 (globe logo).
Opus 33 1/3
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